For many pet owners, the hardest part about travelling is leaving our four-legged companions behind. Luckily for us, most venues in the Hunter Valley are in the same boat – pooches are part of the family and in many cases, staff rosters as well. You’ll find that many wineries and even restaurants will have a resident fury friend on-site, in charge of the hellos and goodbyes.
Your first stop in Hunter Valley Wine Country calls for a visit to recently crowned 2022 Cellar Door of the Year De Iuliis Wines, where you will find resident doggos Lucy and Aldo. Taste a range of award-winning wines and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding native bushland whilst watching the sun go down before checking into your accommodation.
Stay at one of the many pet-friendly stays, such as Estate Tuscany, located off Hermitage Road with cosy, luxe rooms, a swimming pool and big open fields, perfect to let your pooch off the leash. Plus, you are within walking distance for a delicious dinner either at the Mill Restaurant or 4 Pines Brewery at The Farm – both pet friendly!
Another resort that accommodates your four-legged fury friends includes voco™ Kirkton Park. Set on a charming 70-acre Manor estate positioned on the doorstep of some of the region’s best vineyards, this resort offers it all from afternoon lawn games to an impressive seasonal indoor pool. Enjoy incredible regional produce at voco’s signature restaurant Locavore before returning to your room.
Or, treat your pooch to a luxurious getaway at Spicers Guesthouse located on Ekerts Road. Your pup can be by your side every step of your holiday from lazing with you poolside to indulging in fine dining at the inhouse restaurant, Spicers Guesthouse loves having furry guests.
Be sure to check out our full list of pet friendly accommodation here.
Start your Saturday off with a delicious and filling breakfast at one of the many morning eateries in Wine Country. Take your pooch to the Cru Bar & Pantry at Brokenwood Wines and warm up with a barista made coffee and meal and soak up the morning sunshine on the sweeping outdoor patio. Or take a short drive out to The Deck Café located in Lovedale, boasting an all-outdoor dining area, gourmet breakfast menu and stunning views over the iconic pond.
Be sure to check out our full list of pet-friendly restaurants here.
Head back to your accommodation to leave the car and prepare to embark on one of our dog friendly wine tours – yes that’s right dog friendly wine tours! Hunter Valley Prestige Wine Tours offer personalised wine tours throughout the Hunter. Owners and operators Susan and Neville have pooches of their own and are always open to meeting new furry friends. Or jump on board Grape to Glass tours, also pet-friendly offering a customised, boutique wine tasting. First stop we suggest Saddler’s Creek Wines where you can relax and enjoy a wine tasting experience in the wine garden with your fur child beside you.
Next, take the road less travelled out to the secluded sub-region of Broke Fordwich and find a boutique winery, Whispering Brook Wines. Take a journey through their artisan wine growing and winemaking process in a relaxed and beautiful landscape. The winery is pet friendly with all tastings seated and conducted on their wide covered verandah with beautiful vineyard and mountain views and plenty of outdoor space for pets of all kinds.
Lastly wrap up your tasting tour at Pepper’s Creek where you will find more family owned and operated wineries. Comyns & Co. focuses on creating traditional styles of Semillon and Shiraz from small batch parcels of premium Hunter Valley fruit, whilst also venturing into some emerging varieties and unique blends. Just steps away, take a Trans-Tasman adventure with Charteris Wines. Taste local Hunter Valley Shiraz next to Central Otago Pinot Noir – a tasting experience like no other in the region. In the same building as Charteris you will discover newly established label, Wild Ren Wines showcasing both traditional and modern styles from premium Hunter Valley vineyards, all wines are distinctive, striking and inspiring. And of course, all three cellar doors are pooch friendly.
Finish of your Saturday with a relaxed, hearty dinner at local pub Harrigan’s Hunter Valley, who offer plenty of outdoor dining areas all pet friendly before returning to your accommodation for the evening.
Before you return home the following day, be sure to check out Glandore Wines, offering an outdoor covered area surrounded by panoramic views of the neighbouring vineyards and the majestic Brokenback Mountain Range.
Discover our full pet-friendly cellar door list here.
Cover Photo Credit: @montytherubycav
